Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge is appointed worldwide champion of Edinburgh Fringe Festival as she becomes first ever honorary president
She launched her Fleabag character in a one-woman show at the festival back in 2013.
And now, Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been appointed worldwide champion of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, vowing to lead the charge for its ‘much-needed survival and glorious return.’
The Fleabag creator, 35, has been unveiled as the Fringe Society’s first ever honorary president amid the ongoing uncertainty about what form the popular event will take this year.
Congratulations! Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 35, has been appointed worldwide champion of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, vowing to lead the charge for its ‘much-needed survival and glorious return’
Phoebe, who went on to win BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Emmys with the TV adaption of her Fringe show, has agreed to become a global champion for the festival with a focus on helping it fight back from its 2020 cancellation.
The physical 2020 Fringe was axed last April, although some performers and venues put on online shows.
Phoebe told The Scotsman: ‘The Fringe has staged an annual cultural revolution for decades. It’s where thousands of writers, comedians, performers and artists cut their teeth and put their most raw work out into the world.
‘Whether it’s a two-hander in a shoebox, a gig in a van, a promenade through the streets or a mammoth musical epic, this festival is a global symbol of artistic freedom and experimentation.
Where it all started: The actress launched her Fleabag character in a one-woman show at the festival back in 2013
President! She has been unveiled as the Fringe Society’s first ever honorary president amid the ongoing uncertainty about what form the popular event will take this year (Pictured in 2013)
‘It relies on its audiences and it relies on its artists. It’s where the relationship between the two is consummated, passionately, sometimes with great success, sometimes with awkward fumbles behind an inflatable cow, but always with unbridled passion and creativity.
‘From leaking caves to cobbled streets, to the glamour of the Traverse Theatre up to Arthur’s Seat, this festival is a beating heart of an industry that has been crushed by the pandemic.
‘I’m proud to be a part of the fight for its much-needed survival and glorious return.’
Phoebe is expected to appear at special events around the world, representing, advocating for, and speaking on behalf of the Fringe in her ambassadorial role.
Ambassador: Phoebe is expected to appear at special events around the world, representing, advocating for, and speaking on behalf of the Fringe in her ambassadorial role
Her Fleabag show at the famous Underbelly venue in the Cowgate, which seats 60 in the audience, was turned into a dark comedy-drama for BBC 3 in 2016, and spurred her onto stardom.
Phoebe went on to write Killing Eve and was brought on board to work on the upcoming James Bond film No Time To Die.
Passionate about supporting the arts, last year, she joined forces with Olivia Colman to create a fund which raised more than £1 million for theatre workers affected by the pandemic.